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Different Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance

Our body constantly releases hormones for its proper functioning. At times, these hormonal supplies from the hormone-releasing glands get disturbed. It is very essential for a body to have right amount of hormones in it to function appropriately. Even a slight imbalance can lead to disturbance in different bodily systems. When the hormonal levels in the body deviate from their normal levels, the condition is called hormonal imbalance. Hormones have a heavy effect on an individual's everyday health and well-being. Hormones are present in very small amounts in the body, but act on each and every cell of the body.

Hormonal imbalance causes the bodily systems to function inappropriately. Symptoms of hormonal imbalance differ in males and females because of the difference in their make. Below are different symptoms of hormonal imbalance in females.

Lot of hormones, including estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone are produced by ovaries. These hormones largely regulate the menstrual cycle in females. On the other hand, hormones produced by the brain, i.e., FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) trigger the hormones produced by the ovaries. Any imbalance can lead to disturbance in menstrual cycle and diseases like polycystic ovarian syndrome, breast disease, and endometriosis. Other than these, hormonal imbalance can lead to symptoms like acne, bloating, decreased fertility, bone loss, depression, hirsutism, hot flashes, irritability, loss of scalp hair, loss of muscle mass, and frequent mood swings. Other symptoms implying hormonal imbalance can be low libido, memory lapses, night sweats, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, sudden weight loss/gain, urinary incontinence, and tender breasts.

Hormonal imbalance affects males differently. Nearly 95% of male testosterone is produced by the testes. In addition to this, adrenal glands produce small amount of estrogen. Similar to females, male brain also produces FSH and LH which trigger hormones produced by the testes. Any imbalance in levels of these hormones can lead to deterioration in bone density, muscle mass, muscle strength, sexual drive, and overall body composition. Symptoms include bone loss, decreased mental ability, decreased muscle strength, decreased stamina, decreased urine flow, depression, and sexual disorders like low libido and erectile dysfunction. Some other symptoms include increased abdominal fat, obesity, hot flashes, irritability, mood swings, night sweats, poor concentration, and sleep disturbances.

Nearly all the bodily systems depend on hormones for their proper functioning. Even slightest of abundance or scarcity of any particular hormone can cause multiple bodily systems to function inappropriately.